Is there anything better than the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory?
Hot honey chicken biscuits are the ultimate indulgence, combining crispy fried chicken, sweet and tangy honey with a spicy kick, and buttery, flaky biscuits.
Whether you’re hosting brunch, looking for a unique comfort food dish, or simply craving something extraordinary, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this crave-worthy dish!
What Are Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits?
Hot honey chicken biscuits are a Southern-inspired breakfast or brunch dish that balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Picture this: a golden, flaky biscuit split open and layered with crispy fried chicken, drizzled generously with spicy honey sauce. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist!
This dish has been popping up on brunch menus and social media feeds for good reason – it’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors.
The crunch of the chicken, the buttery softness of the biscuit, and the kick of the hot honey create a symphony for your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To recreate this mouthwatering dish at home, you’ll need three main components: the chicken, the biscuits, and the hot honey.
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for tenderizing)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
(Store-bought biscuits can also be used for convenience.)
For the Hot Honey:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1–2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Marinate: Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to tenderize and enhance flavor.
- Coat: In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Fry: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Biscuits
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Buttermilk: Stir in buttermilk until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Shape Biscuits: Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead. Pat into a 1-inch-thick rectangle and cut biscuits using a round cutter.
- Bake: Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 3: Make the Hot Honey
- Heat honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in red pepper flakes, vinegar (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. Let it cool slightly before using.
Step 4: Assemble the Biscuits
- Slice the biscuits in half and place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half.
- Drizzle generously with hot honey.
- Top with the other biscuit half and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- For Crispy Chicken: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. A temperature of 350°F (175°C) is ideal.
- Perfect Biscuits: Handle the dough as little as possible to keep the biscuits light and fluffy.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder hot honey, reduce the red pepper flakes. Add a touch of cayenne for extra heat if you’re feeling bold.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the hot honey and biscuits ahead of time for a quick assembly when ready to serve.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Honey Butter: Mix softened butter with hot honey for an extra layer of richness.
- Mini Biscuits: Use smaller biscuit cutters and chicken tenders for bite-sized versions, perfect for appetizers.
- Substitutions: Swap out biscuits for waffles or brioche buns for a new twist on the classic.
FAQ’s About Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Store fried chicken in the fridge and reheat in the oven for crispiness. Biscuits can be baked a day in advance and warmed up before serving.
Are there gluten-free options?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour blends for the biscuits and chicken coating.
What pairs well with this dish?
Serve with sides like coleslaw, roasted potatoes, or even a fresh fruit salad for a complete meal.
Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
- 1 cup buttermilk for tenderizing
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter cubed
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- Store-bought biscuits can also be used for convenience.
For the Hot Honey:
- ½ cup honey
- 1 –2 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar optional, for tanginess
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Marinate: Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to tenderize and enhance flavor.
- Coat: In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Fry: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
Make the Biscuits
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Buttermilk: Stir in buttermilk until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Shape Biscuits: Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead. Pat into a 1-inch-thick rectangle and cut biscuits using a round cutter.
- Bake: Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Make the Hot Honey
- Heat honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in red pepper flakes, vinegar (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. Let it cool slightly before using.
Assemble the Biscuits
- Slice the biscuits in half and place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half.
- Drizzle generously with hot honey.
- Top with the other biscuit half and serve warm.